Herb Garden Layout Ideas

Herb gardens are popular because they fit into a small space and provide functional plants that can be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Most herbs are not attractive when they are in full bloom. Many herbs have small flowers or no flowers at all.

• Functional herb garden - Herb gardens can be planted in simple, easy-to-access flowerbeds. Plant the herbs in rows according to how long it takes them to sprout. Plants that mature quickly should be planted toward the front to make your garden appear full. Additionally, if there is an herb you use often, such as basil for cooking, add this on the outer edges for easy access.


• Window herb garden - Many people grow herb gardens in their home on the windowsill. This garden gets plenty of light, and some herbs, such as rosemary, have a delightful smell that can fill an entire home. A window herb garden is much smaller than an outdoor herb garden. Use a small pot that fits in the windowsill. Plant one to two types of herb per pot.


• Visual herb garden - A visual garden is planted to be decorative. This garden may include flowering herbs such as lavender and purple coneflower. Choose plants that will bloom together to make the garden pop with color. Plant the garden in a circle or horseshoe shape to enhance the aesthetics of the garden.


• Raised herb beds - Building several raised beds in an existing flower bed can allow the gardener to devote one bed to each type of herb. This helps keep the herbs separate and makes them easy to identify.